PU student-lecturer ratio far above CBSE norms: MLC

Even as the issue of surplus lecturer posts in government PU colleges remains unresolved — with lecturers expressing concern over the move without first addressing the student–lecturer ratio — the matter was raised in the Legislative Council on Monday, after lecturers from Mysuru, Mandya, Chamarajanagar and other districts petitioned MLCs from the teachers’ constituencies to take it up.

Acting on these petitions, K. Vivekananda, MLC (South Teachers’ Constituency), raised concerns in the Council over the high student–lecturer ratio in the State’s PU colleges, pointing out that it is far above the norms followed by the CBSE.

Mr. Vivekananda, who had recently met surplus PU lecturers in Mysuru and received a memorandum from them, said that while the CBSE prescribes a student–teacher ratio of 35:1, the ratio in PU colleges in the State is significantly higher — around 320:1 in the Arts stream and about 180:1 in the Science stream. He questioned whether such a wide gap was justified when the State had adopted certain aspects of the CBSE model in the PU education system.

The MLC also sought details on the criteria being followed by the government to identify surplus lecturer posts in PU colleges and asked whether the student–lecturer ratio was being taken into consideration while doing so. He also wanted to know if the government had any proposal to revise the ratio.

Mr. Vivekananda urged the government to take steps regarding surplus lecturers after the admission process for the 2026–27 academic year is completed, noting that improved SSLC results this year could lead to higher enrolment in PU colleges.

Responding to the question, School Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa said that surplus lecturer posts are being identified in colleges where there are no admissions or where the workload is low.

“There is currently no proposal to reduce the student–lecturer ratio in line with the CBSE model. However, the issue will be discussed with legislators representing the Teachers’ and Graduates’ constituencies before taking an appropriate decision,” he added.